Galatians 1:18

KJV

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1899} after {G3326} three {G5140} years {G2094} I went up {G424} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414} to see {G2477} Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} abode {G1961} with {G4314} him {G846} fifteen {G1178} days {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Not until three years later did I go up to Yerushalayim to make Kefa’s acquaintance, and I stayed with him for two weeks,

Berean Standard Bible

Only after three years did I go up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days.

American Standard Version

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and tarried with him fifteen days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 1:18 marks a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's post-conversion journey, detailing his first visit to Jerusalem after three years, specifically to meet Peter, with whom he stayed for fifteen days. This brief but significant encounter serves as a crucial piece of evidence in Paul's defense of his divinely revealed gospel and independent apostolic authority, demonstrating that his commission did not originate from human instruction or the established Jerusalem leadership, yet he still sought fellowship with the pillars of the early church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's impassioned defense of his apostleship and the singular gospel he preaches, which forms the opening argument of his letter to the Galatians. Having unequivocally stated that his gospel was received "through a revelation of Jesus Christ" and not "from man" ([Galatians 1:12](/galatians/1-12 "Galatians 1:12 - Paul's Divine Revelation")), Paul then provides an autobiographical account of his early years as a believer. Galatians 1:18 follows his description of his immediate post-conversion withdrawal to Arabia and subsequent return to Damascus ([Galatians 1:17](/galatians/1-17 "Galatians 1:17 - Paul's Time in Arabia and Damascus")). By detailing the timing and nature of this first visit to Jerusalem—three years after his conversion and a brief stay with Peter—Paul strategically underscores the independence of his initial ministry and the divine origin of his message, thereby refuting any claims that he was merely a disciple of the Jerusalem apostles or that his gospel was a human invention. This historical detail directly supports his overarching argument against the Judaizers who sought to undermine his authority and introduce a distorted gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's conversion on the Damascus Road (c. AD 33-36) was a seismic event, transforming him from a zealous persecutor of the church into its most ardent missionary. Following this, his period in Arabia and Damascus (likely 3 years, as mentioned here) allowed for personal revelation and initial ministry away from the established Christian centers. Jerusalem, at this time, was the undisputed hub of the nascent Christian movement, home to the original apostles and the mother church. Peter, as the prominent leader among the Twelve, held significant authority and recognition. Paul's journey to Jerusalem was not a casual trip but a deliberate act, carrying immense weight given his past as a persecutor and his new identity as an apostle. The Jewish cultural context, where rabbinic authority was often traced through a lineage of teachers, made Paul's emphasis on direct divine revelation particularly counter-cultural and necessary for his defense against those who might demand human accreditation. His brief stay also highlights the practicalities of travel and communication in the ancient world, where such visits were significant undertakings.
* **Key Themes:** Galatians 1:18 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the letter. Foremost is the **Authenticity of Paul's Apostleship and Gospel**. Paul's detailed chronology, emphasizing the delay and brevity of his Jerusalem visit, serves as concrete evidence that his gospel was not learned from human sources, thus validating his unique divine commission. This directly counters the arguments of the Judaizers who challenged his authority. Another theme is the **Independence of Divine Revelation**. Paul consistently asserts that his message came directly from Christ, not through intermediaries, as highlighted by his minimal early contact with the Jerusalem apostles. Despite this independence, the verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Apostolic Fellowship and Unity**, showing Paul's willingness to connect with Peter, a "pillar" of the church ([Galatians 2:9](/galatians/2-9 "Galatians 2:9 - James, Cephas, and John as Pillars")), even if his purpose was to "see" rather than to be taught. This foreshadows the later, more formal recognition of his ministry at the Jerusalem Council ([Galatians 2:1-10](/galatians/2-1-10 "Galatians 2:1-10 - The Jerusalem Council")). Ultimately, these themes serve Paul's broader purpose of defending the **Purity of the Gospel**—a gospel of grace through faith alone, unadulterated by legalistic requirements.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **to see (Greek, _historéō'_):** This verb (G2477) is crucial. While it can mean simply "to see," its root suggests "to be knowing (learned)," implying a visit for information, inquiry, or to become personally acquainted with someone notable. It's not a casual glance but a deliberate seeking out for the purpose of observation or gaining understanding, perhaps to verify or confirm shared experiences rather than to receive instruction or approval. Paul's choice of this word reinforces his claim that he was not going to be taught by Peter, but to "get acquainted" or "interview" him, as one might a historical figure.
* **abode (Greek, _epiménō'_):** The verb (G1961) means "to stay over," "remain," or "persevere." In this context, it emphasizes the duration of Paul's stay—fifteen days. The brevity of this period, combined with the purpose of "seeing" Peter, further supports Paul's argument that he did not receive his gospel or authority from Peter. It was a limited, defined period, not an extended apprenticeship or discipleship.
* **fifteen days (Greek, _dekapénte hēméra'_):** The combination of "fifteen" (G1178) and "days" (G2250) provides a precise, short duration. The specificity of "fifteen days" (just over two weeks) serves Paul's apologetic aim. It highlights the limited nature of his interaction with Peter, demonstrating that such a short period was insufficient for him to have been instructed in the gospel or commissioned by the Jerusalem apostles. This precise detail is a powerful rhetorical tool in Paul's defense against those who claimed his gospel was secondhand or humanly derived.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then after three years":** This phrase establishes a clear chronological marker, emphasizing the significant delay between Paul's conversion (and subsequent time in Arabia and Damascus) and his first visit to Jerusalem as a believer. The "three years" underscores the independence of his initial ministry and the direct, unmediated nature of his revelation from Christ. It highlights that his gospel was not immediately validated or taught by the existing apostolic leadership.
* **"I went up to Jerusalem":** This signifies Paul's journey to the spiritual and administrative center of early Christianity. "Went up" (ἀνέρχομαι, _anérchomai_) implies an ascent, both geographically (Jerusalem is in the Judean hills) and symbolically, as it was the spiritual high point for Jewish believers. His willingness to go there, despite his past as a persecutor, shows a desire for connection, even if not for instruction.
* **"to see Peter":** The purpose of Paul's visit is explicitly stated. The Greek verb _historéō_ (to see, to get acquainted with, to inquire) suggests a desire for personal knowledge or a face-to-face meeting with the leading apostle, rather than a formal submission for instruction or approval. This detail is crucial for Paul's argument: he sought fellowship, not tutelage.
* **"and abode with him fifteen days":** This specifies the duration and nature of Paul's stay. The brevity of "fifteen days" (just over two weeks) is a key piece of evidence for Paul. It was a short, focused visit, insufficient for him to have been thoroughly discipled or to have received his gospel message from Peter. This limited interaction further supports Paul's claim of direct divine revelation and independent apostolic authority.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in Galatians 1:18 to strengthen his argument. The primary device is **Autobiographical Narrative**, where Paul recounts a personal historical detail from his life. This serves as concrete, verifiable evidence to support his claims about the origin of his gospel and apostleship. The inclusion of specific chronological details ("after three years," "fifteen days") and named individuals ("Peter," "Jerusalem") lends an air of authenticity and factual grounding to his narrative, making it more persuasive. This detailed account also functions as an **Apologia**, or a formal defense. Paul is not merely telling his story but constructing a legal-like argument to vindicate his ministry and the truth of the gospel he preaches against the accusations of the Judaizers. The precision of the timeline and the limited interaction with Peter are strategically presented to dismantle the notion that he was a subordinate or derivative apostle. Furthermore, there is an element of **Understatement** regarding the nature of his visit; by stating he went "to see Peter" and only for "fifteen days," Paul subtly downplays any notion of dependency or lengthy apprenticeship, thereby amplifying his core message of divine independence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's account in Galatians 1:18 powerfully demonstrates the interplay between divine revelation and apostolic fellowship within the early church. While Paul vehemently defends the direct, unmediated origin of his gospel from Christ Himself, his deliberate, albeit brief, visit to Peter underscores the importance of unity and mutual recognition among those called to lead God's people. This meeting was not for Paul to receive his commission or doctrine, which he insists came directly from Jesus, but to establish a personal connection with the acknowledged leader of the Jerusalem church. It highlights that authentic divine calling does not negate the value of communal relationship and mutual respect within the body of Christ. Theologically, it reinforces the idea that while diverse ministries and revelations exist, they ultimately serve the same Lord and the same gospel, fostering a foundational unity that transcends individual experiences. This balance between independent divine calling and interdependent fellowship is a vital pattern for Christian leadership and community.

* [Acts 9:26-28](/acts/9-26-28 "Acts 9:26-28 - Paul's First Visit to Jerusalem")
* [Galatians 2:1-2](/galatians/2-1-2 "Galatians 2:1-2 - Paul's Second Visit to Jerusalem")
* [1 Corinthians 15:8-11](/1_corinthians/15-8-11 "1 Corinthians 15:8-11 - Paul's Apostolic Credentials")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's precise recounting of his first visit to Jerusalem after his conversion offers profound lessons for believers today. His insistence on the divine origin of his gospel, coupled with his willingness to connect with Peter, models a crucial balance: unwavering conviction in God's truth combined with a humble desire for fellowship with other believers. We are called to root our faith deeply in God's revealed Word, seeking personal understanding and conviction that is not merely secondhand. Yet, this personal revelation should not lead to isolation or a dismissal of the wider body of Christ. Paul, despite his unique commission, recognized the value of meeting Peter, establishing a connection that would later prove vital for the unity of the early church. For us, this means valuing both personal study and communal worship, seeking wisdom from mature believers and church leaders while always testing everything against the authoritative Word of God. It reminds us that spiritual authority comes from God, not from human endorsement, yet respectful engagement with those God has placed in leadership is a mark of Christian maturity. We are called to be both independent in our faith and interdependent in our community, always prioritizing the truth of the gospel and the unity of the Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance personal revelation and conviction with the need for fellowship and accountability within the Christian community?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rely too heavily on human authority, or conversely, to disregard the wisdom of established spiritual leaders?**
* **What does Paul's example teach me about defending my faith and the gospel with both conviction and humility?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul wait three years before going to Jerusalem?**

Answer: Paul's delay of "three years" (likely from his conversion) before visiting Jerusalem was crucial for his argument in Galatians. It served to demonstrate the independence of his gospel and apostleship from human influence. Instead of immediately seeking validation or instruction from the apostles in Jerusalem, Paul spent time in Arabia and Damascus, indicating that his initial understanding and commission came directly from a divine revelation of Jesus Christ, not from the established church leaders. This delay underscored that his message was not a derivative of the Jerusalem church's teaching but an independent, divinely revealed truth, as he explicitly states in [Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul's Gospel Not from Man").

**What was the purpose of Paul's visit "to see Peter"?**

Answer: Paul states his purpose was "to see Peter" (Greek: _historéō_). This word implies more than a casual visit; it suggests a desire to get acquainted with, to inquire of, or to interview a notable person. Paul was not going to be discipled or to receive his apostolic commission from Peter, as he had already received it directly from Christ. Rather, it was likely to establish a personal connection, to verify shared experiences of the resurrected Christ, and to ensure that the gospel he preached was consistent with the core message preached by Peter and the other apostles, even if its revelation was independent. This brief meeting helped lay the groundwork for future recognition and fellowship, as seen later in [Galatians 2](/galatians/2 "Galatians 2 - Paul's Meeting with Jerusalem Apostles").

**Why is the detail of "fifteen days" significant?**

Answer: The specific duration of "fifteen days" is highly significant because it emphasizes the brevity and limited nature of Paul's interaction with Peter. This short period was insufficient for Paul to have undergone extensive training, received comprehensive instruction, or been formally commissioned by Peter or the Jerusalem apostles. By highlighting this precise, short timeframe, Paul further strengthens his argument that his gospel and his authority as an apostle were not derived from human sources or the established church hierarchy in Jerusalem, but solely from direct revelation from Jesus Christ, as he reiterates throughout [Galatians 1](/galatians/1 "Galatians 1 - Paul's Apostolic Authority").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 1:18, while seemingly a historical detail of Paul's early ministry, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate source of all apostolic authority and the unifying head of His church. Paul's insistence that his gospel and apostleship were "through a revelation of Jesus Christ" ([Galatians 1:12](/galatians/1-12 "Galatians 1:12 - Source of Paul's Gospel")) means that even his encounter with Peter was not about receiving validation from a human leader, but about confirming the singularity of the gospel received from the one Lord. Peter, too, was an apostle commissioned by Christ ([Matthew 16:18-19](/matthew/16-18-19 "Matthew 16:18-19 - Peter's Confession and the Church")), and Paul's visit, though brief, underscored that both men served the same Christ and proclaimed the same foundational truth. The "three years" and "fifteen days" highlight that Christ's call and revelation are sovereign and independent of human timelines or institutions, yet He also builds His church through the fellowship of His divinely appointed servants. Ultimately, Paul's defense of his independent call serves to magnify Christ, ensuring that the gospel preached is purely Christ's gospel, unadulterated by human additions, and that all glory redounds to the one who called and commissioned him, the Lord Jesus Christ ([Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "Philippians 1:21 - To Live is Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 9:26

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

Acts 9:29

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

Acts 22:17

And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

Acts 22:18

And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

Acts 9:22

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Acts 9:23

¶ And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: